Thirty-eight years after enrolling in one of Professor Edward H. Henderson’s philosophy courses at LSU, Don Broussard still remembers how it felt to explore life’s great questions for the first time. Broussard says he has never forgotten Henderson’s powerful, yet relaxed, ability to expose students to the world traditions of thought.
“His lectures were always interesting, and frequently profound,” said Broussard. “He was not only a first-rate philosopher and teacher, but he came across as someone you could trust to give you good counsel regarding school and career issues. He was one of the best professors I had at LSU, and continued to be one of my favorites after LSU Law and graduate school at Catholic University and Georgia Tech.”
Henderson, a beloved professor of many LSU students, retired in 2012 after a 46-year career in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences’ Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies. There, he not only inspired his students in the classroom, but his enthusiasm for fostering learning also helped spawn the LSU Honors College.
Francis Landreaux, a former student and graduate assistant who worked with Henderson in the philosophy department for several years, is leading an effort to establish an endowed scholarship in Henderson’s name, funded through the generosity of former students, colleagues and friends.
“Ed has had a huge impact on my life and that of many others,” Landreaux shared, explaining his decision to make a lead gift of $10,000 to start the scholarship. “He was always accepting of students, and made the classroom an experience that encouraged thinking on the deepest level. I wanted to do something to honor Ed that would have a lasting impact and keep his legacy alive forever at LSU.”
With $20,000 given so far, the scholarship effort is halfway to the endowment level, which will enable the fund to perpetually benefit deserving Honors College students majoring in philosophy.
Early in his career at LSU, Henderson helped create courses in the Honors Division, a new program that provided opportunities for high-level students during a time when LSU, like many state universities, lacked admissions standards. Henderson and a few other faculty members taught small sections of humanities courses. His sections included the great philosophers and the development of Western civilization. The Honors Division led to the establishment of the LSU Honors College, where Henderson eventually served as associate dean.
“I really expect that many of those whose lives were touched by Ed will also want to contribute,” Landreaux added.
Professor of Philosophy Mary Sirridge worked with Henderson for 35 years and says he was a natural at distilling complex concepts for a broad spectrum of students. No matter their fields of study, Henderson’s students walked away with a deeper understanding of, and a new appreciation for, philosophy and religion.
“He was a first-rate lecturer, and that’s a real talent,” said Sirridge. “It demands both deep understanding of the material and clarity of thought. He was always so interested in helping students learn and in developing their particular interests.”
Published in Cornerstone Winter and Spring 2015.
Lauren Cathleen 